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Course Description

Students 18 and up encouraged to enroll.

Animation Skills Workshop: Drawing & Design gives artists the opportunity to work one-on-one with CalArts faculty to improve fundamental skills, develop an understanding of their creative goals, and find a pathway to advance artistically and professionally.

During this 6-week online program, students work on developing observational drawing and design skills (e.g., contour and gesture drawing, prop and character design) under the guidance of an animation professional and seasoned educator. Through participation in lectures, workshops, independent projects, and regular discussion, students advance foundational skills while receiving creative mentorship and enriching their portfolio.
In workshops, faculty will observe students at work and have private discussions with them during the session. Projects will be completed outside of class and submitted to our virtual classroom for live critique. While there is a great deal of independent work allowing for schedule flexibility, students are expected to attend classes that take place one evening a week in real-time (Pacific).

In addition to engaging with the instructor during live workshop sessions, students have the option to attend weekly office hours to ensure they are receiving personalized attention and meaningful mentorship.

This workshop is appropriate for artists who have some drawing skills and a basic understanding of animation principals and practices.

Learner Outcomes

During this course of study students will:

  • learn how to draw observationally and sustainably for creative work within animation
  • develop solid drawing skills to create appealing characters that look and feel substantial
  • learn to conceptualize and design effective props and worlds
  • develop skill working with the core principles of effective design and composition

Requirements

Access to a computer or tablet, reliable internet, and a camera or phone to photograph/scan and upload your work. Students will be required to purchase traditional drawing materials such as drawing paper, pencils, and markers.

Additional Information

You may also be interested in:

Animation Skills Workshop: Story

Portfolio Development Workshop for Artists and Animators

Portfolio Development Workshop in Character Design

Portfolio Development Workshop in Visual Storytelling

Summer Animation Residency

Animation Intensive

Students who enroll in an Extended Studies course may purchase a one-year Adobe Creative Cloud subscription at the reduced price of $250.00.

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Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in
Section Title
Animation Skills Workshop: Drawing & Design
Type
ES Online Synchronous
Days
T
Time
6:00PM to 8:00PM
Dates
Mar 10, 2026 to Apr 14, 2026
Schedule and Location
Contact Hours
12.0
Course Fee(s)
Tuition credit (0 units) $850.00 Click here to get more information
Instructors
Section Notes

THIS COURSE IS ACCESSED THROUGH CANVAS

The Canvas platform provides an instructor-led learning experience. These class sizes are small to facilitate discussion and engagement with your instructor and other students. The instructor is available in live sessions to answer your questions and provide individualized feedback on assignments.

Most Canvas online courses qualify towards a CalArts Certificate.